Entain boss says she expects Brazil's betting market to reopen after the September ban
On Entain's third-quarter call on 15 October 2026, chief executive Stella David said she expects Brazil's regulated betting market to reopen in some form after the 25 September ban. Entain's Brazil net gaming revenue fell 36% in the quarter.
Brazil is not a South African market, but the story is a clear example of how quickly a regulated gambling market can be shut by a single government decision, with players and staff caught in the middle. It also shows that big operators plan for several outcomes, including a sports-only return. South Africans weighing offshore sites should note that licences from a country can be changed or withdrawn quickly, and that a licence somewhere else does not give protection from South African law.
What was said
Entain, the owner of brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral and Sportingbet, reported its third-quarter trading on 15 October 2026. On the analyst call, chief executive Stella David said her best guess is that Brazil's licensed market will reopen in some form and that Entain will be back in it. She added that nobody can say exactly what will happen.
According to iGaming Business, which reported the call, the Brazilian government's provisional measure runs for 120 days, after which it is ratified, changed or revoked. Entain says it is planning for several possible outcomes.
The numbers behind it
- Entain's net gaming revenue in Brazil fell 36% in the third quarter, which the company linked to cautious marketing before the ban announced on 25 September.
- Group net gaming revenue rose 2%, and online revenue rose 3%, or 5% excluding Brazil.
- Online revenue in the UK and Ireland rose 14%.
- Entain has said it expects full-year EBITDA at the lower end of its £910 million to £960 million range because of the Brazil ban.
David said Sportingbet is about 70% a sports brand, so a sports-only return would suit the business, and that any restart would be measured rather than aggressive.
What it means for South African players
The lesson is about regulatory risk. Brazil built a licensed betting market only recently, and it was suspended almost overnight. In South Africa, online casino games remain unlicensed for operators, and sports betting sits under provincial licences. Players who use offshore casinos rely on the operator's own licence and policies, which can change without warning. Keep your balance small, withdraw winnings regularly and read the terms before you deposit.
Our earlier coverage explains the Brazil ban and the platform shutdowns and the amendments proposed in Congress.
What to watch next
The key date is the end of the 120-day period, when Brazil's Congress must decide whether the ban becomes permanent, is changed or lapses. Watch for any move to allow sports betting only, and for court rulings on the ban. Other operators report their own results in the coming weeks and may give their own forecasts.